KAIRÓS: School of Integration and Civic Culture

In Cúcuta, both the border and metropolitan areas grapple with escalating issues such as xenophobia, aporophobia, coexistence challenges, and social exclusion that have been exacerbated by the pandemic. Additionally, concerns persist regarding the heightened risks associated with human trafficking, criminal behavior, and substance abuse.

This project primarily serves communities with diverse populations, including Venezuelan and Colombian migrants, returnees, single mothers heading households, community leaders, LGBT individuals, Afro-descendants, and victims of the armed conflict. These groups are particularly vulnerable to economic and social hardships, residing in both urban and rural settings.

The primary beneficiaries of this initiative are children and adolescents aged 7 to 13. This age bracket is pivotal for implementing targeted strategies aimed at reinforcing their rights, life skills, and civic consciousness. It represents a critical juncture in their personal development, shaping their identity, their relationship with their environment, and their societal role.

During this crucial period, it is imperative to mitigate potential vulnerabilities and provide opportunities for these young individuals to reshape, relearn, construct, and strengthen the skills and knowledge essential for leading a dignified adult life. By acquiring a deeper understanding of opportunities and challenges and discerning the underlying factors, they will be better prepared to navigate the complexities of their future.

One compelling rationale for focusing on this age group is their often-overlooked status in socio-cultural integration programs. This oversight is evident in both institutional and cooperative initiatives, where their presence is frequently lacking.